Former President George H.W. Bush is cheering for Texas A&M. / Mandel Ngan, AFP/Getty Images

by USA TODAY Sports, USA TODAY

by USA TODAY Sports, USA TODAY

Texas A&M and its quarterback, Johnny Manziel, have captivated fans far and wide the past two seasons, and in two days will host No. 1 Alabama in the most anticipated game of college football's regular season. Among the legions of Texas A&M supporters Saturday will be George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, and his wife, former first lady Barbara Bush.

"Barbara and I are Aggies to the core," Bush told USA TODAY Sports' George Schroeder in an e-mail. "We have always respected the traditions and values that Texas A&M represents, so it's not been hard for us to root for the Aggies on or off the field."

The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is located in A&M's campus in College Station, Texas, and the Bushes have been frequent attendees of Aggies games and other events. They also were in-person witnesses to Manziel's play in 2012, when he became the first freshman to win the Heisman trophy.

"I like Johnny Football," Bush said. "He had a dream season last year, so there's been a lot of attention on him and his every move by commentators and analysts â?? of which I am neither."

Read more on Texas A&M's rise and how it has galvanized Bush and the rest of its fan base later today at sports.usatoday.com.